Why Sage Parashara gave “Conditional Dashas”?

Introduction

In the realm of Vedic astrology, Sage Parashara’s teachings serve as guiding lights for practitioners, illuminating the intricate paths of celestial influence. While the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS) outlines twelve dashas, it’s believed that the sage formulated a total of 55, with some remaining hidden in unpublished manuscripts. Notably, Shri K.N. Rao recounts an encounter with one such manuscript, guarded closely by a Garhwali purohit of the Indian army, underlining the urgency to preserve and share this invaluable knowledge. Among these dashas, like Dwadashottari dasha in predictive astrology, requiring specific conditions like the Native having Taurus or Libra as the lagna of the Navamsha chart. As we delve into the nuances of conditional dasha, we unravel a realm where planetary influences intertwine with precise conditions, shaping destinies and offering profound insights into human existence. Let’s explore the significance and application of this lesser-known yet immensely potent aspect of Vedic astrology in contemporary practice.

Dwadashottari Dasha

Dwadashottari dasha is a unique astrological technique that holds relevance for individuals whose Navamsha (D-9 chart) falls within the signs ruled by Venus, namely Taurus or Libra. However, it’s crucial to ensure the accuracy of the Navamsha chart for the proper application of this dasha.

Case-1

Let’s examine the case of a man who got married on 9th March 2023. We will first analyse this event using the Vimshottari Dasha system and then explore it further under the Dwadashottari Dasha, which is applicable here due to the rising sign in the Navamsha being Taurus.

In the universally applicable Vimshottari dasha system, the native experienced the Rahu-Moon-Saturn period during the time of his marriage. Rahu, positioned in the third house and in trine to the seventh house of marriage, receives the aspect of the seventh lord Mars from the eighth house, indicating significant influences pertaining to marriage. Additionally, in the Navamsha chart, Rahu occupies the Lagna, further emphasizing its relevance in matters related to marriage. The Moon, governing the sub-period, resides in the twelfth house alongside the ascendant lord Venus, although not directly connected to the seventh house, it holds significance as it sits in the Lagna of the Navamsha, thus facilitating the occurrence of marriage. Saturn, governing the sub-sub period, while not directly associated with the seventh house, influences the first house, and in the Navamsha, it resides in the second house, emphasizing familial bonds, further affirming the timing of the marriage.

In the Dwadashottari Dasha system, the native experienced the Moon-Mars-Ketu period during the time of his marriage. Moon, governing the major-period, resonates with the previous analysis, while Mars, the seventh lord, holds prominence in the Navamsha chart, positioned in the fifth house and aspected by the second lord from the eleventh house, indicating favorable conditions for marriage. Notably, Ketu occupies the seventh house in the Navamsha chart, strengthening the association with marriage-related events. A comparative analysis reveals that the sub-periods in the conditional dasha system align more closely with the houses significant for marriage, further validating the occurrence of the event during this period.

Shodashshottari Dasha

Shodashottari Dasha is a unique astrological tool based on the Nakshatra occupied by the Moon at the time of birth. However, its application is subject to specific conditions within a horoscope. These conditions stipulate that the ascendant must fall within the Hora of the Moon for births during the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksh), or within the Hora of the Sun for births during the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksh). If either of these conditions is met, the Shodashottari Dasha becomes applicable, rendering it a conditional Dasha.

In this Dasha system, both the Sun and the Moon play significant roles in determining its application. The first condition mandates the Hora of the Moon during the dark phase, while the second condition requires the birth to occur in the Hora of the Sun during the bright phase. Each zodiacal sign comprises two Horas, with the first Hora belonging to either the Sun or the Moon, depending on whether the sign is odd or even. Odd signs include Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius, while even signs include Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Pisces.

The conditions for the application of Shodashottari Dasha are as follows:

For odd rising signs:

• If the ascendant degrees are between 0 to 15 and the Moon is waxing (Shukla Paksh).
• If the ascendant degrees are between 15 to 30 and the Moon is waning (Krishna Paksh).

For even rising signs:

• If the ascendant degrees are between 0 to 15 and the Moon is waning (Krishna Paksh).
• If the ascendant degrees are between 15 to 30 and the Moon is waxing (Shukla Paksh).

Given that each rising sign has a Hora of the Sun and a Hora of the Moon, with the Paksh being either Shukla or Krishna, the conditions for the application of this Dasha will be met in one Hora for each sign. The applicability of Shodashottari Dasha extends to approximately fifty percent of charts, emphasizing its significance in astrological practice.

It is essential for the time of birth to be reasonably accurate, and the correct Ayanamsha, as the efficacy of the Dasha results greatly depends on relevant divisional charts. Moreover, it is recommended to prioritise the conditional Dasha over general Dasha for more accurate predictions.

In the practical example that follows, we will demonstrate the application of Shodashottari Dasha in predicting significant life events.

Case-2

Here, lagna is at below 15 degrees and is even sign- Virgo. Moon has crossed Poornima Tithi, and the native is born on Krishna Dwitya, hence Shodashottari dasha applicable.

The native got married on 22nd Feb 2019. In the Vimshoattari dasha, it was Moon-Moon-Jup. It was a love marriage, with Moon positioned in the 8th house of unorthodoxy. The native struggled to gain parental approval for the marriage and sought guidance in Dec 2018. I assured them that they would manage, predicting their marriage in February 2019. Surprisingly, their parents agreed, and the marriage proceeded smoothly. Moon, the 11th lord of desires, is in the 8th house, but the 8th lord is in the 9th house, forming a Raj Yoga and aiding in managing the situation. Additionally, the exalted 7th lord forms a Gaj-Keshari yoga. In the Navamsha, Moon is the 5th lord, placed in the 4th house with the 9th lord of fortune, but also the 6th lord, leading to disputes. The native had recently entered Moon dasha, following Surya dasha until Oct 2018. However, they managed to marry during Moon-Moon-Jupiter, with Jupiter aspecting the lagna where the 7th lord of the spouse resides.

Additionally, I considered the Shodashottari dasha, which provided more accurate guidance than the universal Vimshottari dasha. In this dasha, it was Mer-Mars-Mer. Mercury, the lagna lord, is in Lagna with Venus, the significator of love, but also aspected by the 5th and 6th lord Saturn from the 4th house, leading to displeasure. Mars, the 8th lord of unorthodoxy, is in the 9th house of religion, indicating an inter-caste marriage. In the Navamsha, Mars becomes the 9th lord and aspects the 7th house of marriage, along with the 5th lord of romance and the 6th lord of disputes. There is a circuit between Mars, Jupiter, and Mercury, all in each other’s signs, suggesting a divine plan. Mercury, the sub-sub period lord, is the 7th lord of Navamsha, aspected by Jupiter from the 9th house and the lagna lord of Navamsha, resulting in a love-cum-arranged marriage in its sub-sub period and major period.

Here again see, how Shodashottari dasha is more refine in its working in divisional chart such as Navamsha.

Shasti-Hayani dasha

The Shasti Hayani Dasha is applicable to horoscopes where the Sun occupies the lagna, or the ascendant. This dasha finds relevance specifically in charts of individuals born in the morning, as the rising sign at sunrise contains the Sun and is determined by the time of sunrise at the birthplace.

Given that, on average, each zodiac sign takes approximately two hours to fully rise in the eastern horizon, the Sun will occupy the lagna for two hours every twenty-four hours. This implies that the Shasti Hayani Dasha is applicable for two hours each day, making it relevant for over eight percent of birth charts. With such a significant percentage of applicability, it becomes essential to delve into this dasha system in detail to understand its implications thoroughly.

As you can see in Case-2, there is Surya/Sun in the lagna. So that horoscope is eligible for the application of this dasha. Native got blessed with a kid on Sept, 7th, 2020. Let’s see this in both dashas.

In the Universal Vimshottari Dasha, the native experienced the Moon-Rahu-Saturn period. Moon, positioned in the 8th house, serves as the 11th lord, indicating desires and aspirations, while Jupiter, the significator of children, is present in the 11th house, traditionally associated with progeny as per Maharishi Parashara’s teachings. Rahu occupies the 5th house, while Saturn, as the 5th lord, further influences matters related to children. In the D7 chart, which pertains to progeny, Moon is placed in the 2nd house, representing gains and lineage, and receives the aspect of Mars from the 11th house. Additionally, Rahu occupies the 5th house, emphasizing children-related matters, while Saturn, as the 9th lord, assumes significance in the lagna, particularly noteworthy for even lagnas in the D7 chart where the 9th house signifies the first child.

Under the Shasti-Hayani Dasha, the operating period was Moon-Saturn-Mercury. While Moon and Saturn were previously discussed, it’s imperative to note the role of Mercury in this context. Mercury, aspected by Saturn in the D1 chart, assumes significance, particularly in matters related to progeny. In the D7 chart, Mercury serves as the 5th lord of children, positioned in the 12th house of hospitals, and forms a conjunction with the 11th lord once again. Notably, the exchange between Mars and Jupiter further emphasises the dynamics surrounding the birth of children, with the placement in the sign of Aries indicating the initiation of events related to progeny. One should note that after the birth of this child, there were aggregate plans to leave the country and settle abroad. The child went to a foreign country soon after birth, emphasizing the significance of Mercury in the 12th house of the D7 chart, in which the child was born.

Overall, the Shasti-Hayani Dasha sheds light on the intricate interplay of planetary influences, particularly in the context of progeny matters, with Mercury’s placement and aspects assuming significance in the determination of events related to children’s birth.

As we conclude our discussion on conditional dashas, it becomes apparent how they play a pivotal role in astrological analysis, complementing the universal Vimshottari dasha system. These dashas offer a more refined and specialized approach, revealing hidden patterns within the horoscope and providing insights into the events that unfold in one’s life.

It is essential to emphasize that conditional dashas do not override each other; rather, they work in conjunction with universal dasha systems, enriching the astrologer’s toolkit and enhancing their predictive accuracy. Like a specialist in medicine offers tailored treatment, conditional dashas provide targeted insights into specific life events, surpassing the general predictions of universal dashas.

In essence, the efficacy of conditional dashas underscores the astrologer’s technical proficiency and their ability to harness these tools effectively. By delving into the intricacies of conditional dashas, astrologers can unravel the complexities of individual horoscopes and offer nuanced interpretations that resonate deeply with the native’s life experiences.

As we reflect on the cases discussed and the insights gleaned from conditional dashas, it becomes evident that their importance cannot be overstated. They serve as invaluable tools in the astrologer’s arsenal, guiding them towards a deeper understanding of the cosmic tapestry and the intricate interplay of planetary influences.

If you found this article insightful and are eager to delve deeper into the realm of astrology with subsequent parts exploring other dasha systems, I encourage you to leave a comment below and share your interest. Your feedback and engagement are valuable in shaping the direction of future articles, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Let’s continue our exploration of astrology together!